Northern Portugal

Visas

Portugal is part of the Schengen visa scheme so Euro’s, Antipodeans, North Americans, most South Americans, Central American and Caribbean countries don't need a visa and get 90 days. Europeans can also stay longer under certain conditions. There are no real border checks within the Schengen area so once in you can move from country to country with ease.

Getting There

Minho and Douro Non-EU get 90 days without a visa. Porto (OPO) is linked to European cities through 15 airlines, check Transavia, Ryanair & EasyJet. Nat’l airline TAP flies from NYC & Brasil, but far more international flights arrive in Lisbon (3h drive or local flight from US$200 rtn). Porto is 8h drive from Biarritz. Galicia to Porto is 2h drive and 5h to Algarve.

Getting Around

Portugal has Europe’s highest road death rate and erratic driving is commonplace, especially on Sundays. Be careful! Portuguese roads also seem to be full of unmarked obstacles or unexpected changes to the road type or layout. Unless otherwise indicated, vehicles approaching from the right have priority at junctions. Speed limits are 120km/h on the few motorways, 90km/h on national roads and 50km/h in town. Documents and safety equipment must be carried and on the spot demands must be paid by credit card like the 600 fine for using a mobile. Fuel is as cheap as it gets in Western Europe. A car is often essential and Portugal offers super cheap hire cars (prices as low as €100 a week) that can be picked up in Faro or Lisbon by over 21’s. Free-camping in vans at the quieter beaches is normally no problem otherwise campsites are numerous and cheap, though they fill up quickly in August. A cheap but comfortable room in a guesthouse will cost around €30 in the countryside and €60 in Lisbon. Eating out is cheap in comparison to much of Western Europe. Agents for Eurolines serve Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Aveiro and many other towns with departures from almost any large European city, although these are rarely direct and can involve numerous stops and transfers. There are three companies running these services between Oporto (Inter-Norte), Lisbon (Inter-Centro) and Faro (Inter-Sul). Once in Portugal, buses go to virtually every town and village in the country and can be a cheap and reliable way to get between bigger towns. Small coastal villages may only see one bus a day or less. Be warned that there are many different bus companies and they don’t always operate from the same terminal and rarely give unbiased advice. Sometimes surfboards can be a source of trouble, check before buying a ticket whether or not they will carry surfboards.

Accommodation

Surfivor Camp and school in Esmoriz has packages from $330/wk or dorm and breakfast from $18/n. Many pousadas, hotels, Airbnb and great camping in summer; Orbitür campsite in Viana do Castelo. Large variety of seafood, expect around $15 for a decent meal; try the caldo verde.

Activities

Visit Porto and its 1000yr old historic centre, classified by Unesco. Also taste the typical wine called Porto. The region is home to many wineries, try the Vinho Verde Route. Serra da Estrela mountains are 3h from Porto.

Hazards & hassles

Pollution is a major problem around Porto where the Douro river flows large amounts of industrial and residential effluent into the bordering line-ups, forcing beach closures that ban swimming and surfing. Locals can be protective of some spots, but are much less defensive on the roads - beware. Watch your belongings, especially if you’re camping.

Handy Hints

Main surf schools are Os Perafinas in Vila do Conde, Salty Wave, Flower Power and Onda Pura in Matosinhos. Surf supplies are available in the main surf hubs, try the Big Wave Surf Shop in Vila do Conde. Ear plugs can be useful to avoid diseases due to high pollution level.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.